Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx’s Netflix Action Film Highlights the Need to Revisit Their Underrated 26-Year-Old Sports Movie Featuring Al Pacino

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx have teamed up once again in Netflix’s latest action film, Back in Action, released for streaming on January 17, 2025. This film has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, despite receiving a modest 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Alongside Diaz and Foxx, the film features a talented ensemble cast including Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott.

Before their collaboration on Back in Action, Diaz had already carved a niche for herself in the action genre with a notable performance in the 2002 classic, Charlie’s Angels. Foxx, on the other hand, boasts a strong action filmography, showcasing his skills in titles like White House Down, Law Abiding Citizen, and Collateral. It’s also worth noting that Foxx and Diaz have previously appeared together in two feature films: the poorly received 2014 remake of Annie and the acclaimed 1999 sports drama, Any Given Sunday.

Explore Cameron Diaz & Jamie Foxx’s First Film Together: Any Given Sunday

Discover the Gritty Sports Classic: Any Given Sunday

Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and LL Cool J in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday

In Any Given Sunday, Foxx and Diaz star alongside renowned actors like Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, and James Woods. The film features impressive cameos from actual NFL legends such as Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, Emmitt Smith, and Terrell Owens. Foxx portrays Willie Beamen, a talented yet determined quarterback for the fictional Miami Sharks, under the mentorship of the aging coach Tony D’Amato, played by Pacino.

Diaz takes on the role of Christina Pagniacci, the young owner of the Miami Sharks, who begins to doubt D’Amato’s coaching capabilities. Though often categorized as a dark comedy, Any Given Sunday delves into themes of sacrifice, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, delivering one of the most memorable speeches in sports cinema. While Diaz and Foxx’s characters are more logical and relatable within this narrative, their roles in Back in Action are more exaggerated and larger-than-life.

Any Given Sunday Remains Their Highest Rated Film Together After 26 Years

With a 52% Rotten Tomatoes Score, It’s a Clear Winner

Despite its mixed reviews, Any Given Sunday outshines both Annie and Back in Action significantly in terms of critical reception. The film holds a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is notably higher than the combined scores of Annie (28%) and Back in Action (26%).

Among all of Diaz and Foxx’s collaborative works, Any Given Sunday stands out as their pinnacle creation. It not only boasts the highest audience score on Rotten Tomatoes at 73%—in stark contrast to Back in Action‘s 61%—but also showcases compelling performances that transcend sports fandom. Even those who may not typically gravitate towards sports films will find the exceptional acting of Pacino, Diaz, and Foxx to be a compelling reason to watch, particularly for those who found Back in Action lacking.

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